Dork Diaries 3 1/2

Half diary-keeping guide, half Nikki Maxwell adventure, this companion volume wraps journaling tips, drawing prompts, and blank pages for readers to fill in within Nikki's familiar narrative voice — a genuinely clever format for getting middle-grade girls actually writing. School Library Journal noted it as one of the most circulated items in middle school libraries, and the broader series has sold over 55 million copies. The interactive format is the real strength here: it doesn't just tell kids to journal, it gives them the tools and models the habit. Parent note: some reviewers find Nikki's attitude toward adults and occasional mean-girl humor worth a conversation. The book is less narratively satisfying than the main series novels and works best for readers who already love Nikki's world.